Drinking fountain in healthcare corridors

Working on a hospital project where there are currently fully recessed electric water coolers off 8 foot corridors. The new water coolers need to be ADA compliant and with bottle filling capability. According to NFPA 101, 2018 version, 18.2.3.4 (5) permits fixed furniture to encroach into the corridor as long as a 6 foot clearance is achieved. Does this mean that a water cooler is allowed to encroach into the corridor as long as a 6 foot clearance is achieved?

The common meaning for furniture used in the context of this code section is large movable equipment, such as tables and chairs, used to make a house, office, or other space suitable for living or working. I am going to say no. The drinking fountain and water dispenser is not furniture in the context of NFPA 101, 18.2.3.4 (5).

In other words:

The drinking fountain protruding into corridor without the alcove would not comply with the ADA standards. It must be location outside the circulation path.

Circulation paths are defined by ADAAG as passages (exterior or interior) for pedestrians, such as “walks, hallways, courtyards, elevators, platform lifts, ramps, stairways, and landings.” Thus, an area connecting to a corridor or a particular room may be a circulation path.

The accessible “lo” fountain is cane detectable as the underside is located no greater than 27 inches from the finished floor surface. However, as the “hi” water fountain’s underside is at a height greater 27 inches, and the fountain is extending well beyond the 4-inch minimum into the circulation path, it constitutes a protruding object.

The first thing I would caution you on is the use and application of the 2018 edition of 101 for a new hospital construction. Once the building is a licensed hospital it will be inspected to the 2012 edition of 101 without a formal letter for the project, which is possible. I mention it to you simply because I've walked this path.

With that said, Milton's comments above are correct in that a building feature such as a fountain does not fit the intent of 18.2.3.4(5). Take a look at 18.2.3.4(2) which gives you some allowance and per A18.2.3.4(2) a water cooler projection falls here.